Kinsinger, S. W., Carver, C. S., Antoni, M. H., & Laurenceau, J-P. (2011). Perceived partner support and psychosexual adjustment to breast cancer. Psychology and Health, 26, 1571-1588.

Support from a partner can play a key role in a woman's emotional adjustment to breast cancer. However, little is known about the influence of partner behaviors on a woman's sexual adjustment. This study examined the prospective relationship between baseline levels of several types of perceived partner support (instrumental, informational, emotional, and negative) and psychosexual adjustment (sexual functioning and relationship satisfaction) over the course of 12 months post-surgery in a sample of 130 women with breast cancer. Results indicated that perceptions of greater emotional and informational support from the partner at baseline was associated with less sexual difficulties among breast cancer patients concurrently and 6 months post-surgery. Baseline perceptions of greater emotional and instrumental support from a partner was associated with greater relationship satisfaction at all time points. Perceptions of informational support at baseline was related to greater concurrent relationship satisfaction. Baseline perceptions of negative partner support was related to less relationship satisfaction, but only concurrently. These findings suggest that the perception of a partner's provision of emotional, instrumental, and informational support may each play a role in facilitating sexual adjustment and relationship satisfaction.

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